Liverpool returned to the top of the Premier League table on Thursday night after getting the better of Sheffield United at Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds were the last of the title-challenging trio to take to the pitch on matchweek 30, with Arsenal having gone top a day earlier.
Liverpool got off to a good start against the Blades as Darwin Nunez charged down Ivo Grbic’s clearance, the ball rebounding into the net on 17 minutes.
But despite recording 84 percent possession in the first half, the Reds found it hard to break down the Blades resistance.
Things then got worse for Liverpool as they conceded on 58 minutes, Gustavo Hamer’s header bouncing off Conor Bradley and into the Reds net.
With the clock ticking, the Anfield faithful became increasingly nervous, until Alexis Mac Allister produced a moment of magic to put Liverpool back in front.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty ImagesSheffield United attempted to clear their lines, but the ball fell to the 25-year-old just outside the box. He duly walloped the ball into the top corner of the net to make it 2-1.
Liverpool went on to add a third through two substitutes, Andrew Robertson whipping in a superb cross for Cody Gakpo to head past Grbic from inside the box.
What has Chris Wilder said about Liverpool victory over Sheffield United?
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder, speaking to BBC Sport after the game, conceded that Mac Allister had scored a “first-class” goal.
“I don’t think we are a lucky side,” said the Premier League manager. “I know these are small margins, but the deflection that falls to Mac Allister, then it’s a first-class finish.
“No-one will give us sympathy, we have to keep our heads down and working.”
On the Mac Allister goal, Wilder added: “You’re hoping that shot flies into the Kop and you write off a few more seconds. But that’s why these are world-class players, they go right to the end and more.”
Mac Allister has been a revelation for Liverpool and, at just 25 years of age, he’s yet to enter his prime. He looks set to become even better.
And obviously it’ll be interesting to see how much more Mac Allister can contribute to the Reds’ title challenge in the coming weeks.
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